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The Solarity Group > The Solarity Group Blog > Posts > Increasing 2E with Project Management
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7/24/2008
It’s July 2008, and gas prices are now well over $4.00 per gallon, with significant increases on the horizon. Prices for food, and other items, continue to climb, and it appears that both private and public budgets will be increasingly strained in the coming months. In such an economy, resources become scarce, and the amount of work required of remaining resources usually increases. With the need to become leaner and meaner, we feel the need for greater efficiency and effectiveness, both personal and professional.
Here’s how the Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org) defines the two E’s, or 2E, as I like to call it:
- Efficiency: ―he extent to which time is used for the intended task" or "to which a resource…is used for the intended purpose."
- Effectiveness: the ability to produce a decided or decisive effect, or result.
I’ve been considering how the crystallized common sense that is Project Management provides best practices for increasing 2E.
Project Charter
Increases the chances that a project idea is well-considered
Provides accountability and clear authorization for a project
Identifies clear objectives that describe the desired results
Scope Statement
Refines the requirements for the project
Clearly notes what is in and out of scope for the project
Provides a touchstone for guiding and maintaining project focus
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
Defines the deliverables for the project
Helps identify all the work that must be done early, as opposed to when the product is being developed or implemented
Provides excellent information for determining work on future, similar projects
Provides the basis for realistic schedules, budgets, risk registers, etc…
Network Diagram and Schedule
Identifies the critical path, that sequence of activities that must be completed on time in order to achieve milestone and project deadlines
Determines where resources may be best allocated
Provides basis for practical ways to reduce the schedule, when necessary
…and I could go on and on. I would encourage you to think about ways to incorporate one or two of the basic tools or techniques in Project Management at your company to help it become more efficient and effective.
Small, incremental changes can go a long way towards producing practical results that really help you, your peers and your company.
Check out our Best Practices In Project Management class for a great introduction on the processes, tools, and concepts that will help you increase 2E! |
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